Madison Albiana of the Elk Grove FFA Chapter in California has been researching and comparing the average daily gains for crossbred and purebred hogs. Working with professors at California State University, she discovered that breed did not have a significant effect but the gender of the hogs was important in average daily gains. Albiana is supported by her parents, Chantelle and Michael, and her FFA advisors, Brittany Whyler, Matt Patton, Amy Erman, Alyssa Mangan, Shannon Welch and her father.

Specialty Animal Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement

Winner: Michael Valencia, Madera FFA Chapter, California

Michael Valencia of the Madera FFA Chapter in California is the owner of 75 honeybee hives and operates his own small business offering pollination services to local farmers. Starting as a freshman, his father -- also an apiarist -- donated 55 hives to his son to get started. Since becoming part of the industry, he has developed an understanding of the importance and impact of pollination on the farming community. Valencia markets his honey he collects to a cooperative in 55-gallon drums and plans to double his hives with each passing year. He is supported by his father Emilio and his FFA advisors, Sheryl Sisil, Robert Labrucherie, Rebecca Bigelow, Tim Denie, Alex Gutierrez and Brent George.